Mattress

ABSTRACT

A mattress ( 2 ), comprising: a resilient body having at least one upper surface portion for supporting a person (such as a small child or baby); and a plurality of surface channels ( 30 ) disposed in the or each upper surface portion and extending parallel thereto. The upper surface portions (for example three, including separate surface portions for supporting the head and the body) are inclined relative to the horizontal (or preferably, suitably anatomically sloped). The surface channels ( 30 ) have a component of direction in the direction of rising slope. In consequence, warm air that has been heated by contact with the person&#39;s body, in order to rise, passes along the surface channel ( 30 ) and out to the surrounding atmosphere. Thus, heat is dissipated away from the person&#39;s body and helps to prevent overheating.

The present invention relates to bedding apparatus, and moreparticularly relates to mattresses with enhanced heat dissipationproperties.

WO01/00064 discloses a unit for supporting a baby. The unit includes asupporting surface. The surface is shaped so that when a baby issupported on the surface, the baby's normal anatomical cervical spinecurvature is maintained. The supporting surface may have first andsecond parts, the first part being adapted to accommodate the head, andthe second part being adapted to accommodate the remainder of the bodyof the baby. The first and second parts may be disposed relative to oneanother so as to support the back of the baby's head in a positionposterior to the upper part of the remainder of the baby's body. Thefirst part may define a cavity. The supporting surface may be surroundedby a peripheral wall. The unit may be a mattress but could also be achair.

It is well established that it is undesirable for persons to experienceoverheating while sleeping, and the especially so in the case of babiesand small children, whether in a bed, cot, Moses basket, etc. The humanbody is a heat source and, when surrounded by bedding materials, willexperience overheating if the heat is not allowed to dissipate.

Previously, certain techniques have been proposed that attempt toaddress the somewhat different problem of suffocation avoidance. U.S.Pat. No. 5,561,879 discloses a mattress for supporting an infant in asupine position during sleep. Breathing apertures (holes) are directedthrough an inclined headwall of a main cushion member an through a pairof lateral guides to preclude blocking of the infant's breathing duringsleep, and reduce the risk of infant sleeping death.

In U.S. Pat. No. 4,536,906 there is disclosed a mattress for childrenwith a removable insert. The insert has a plurality of perforationsextending from its top face to its bottom face that reduce the risk ofsuffocation.

However, a problem with known mattresses is that at most they areconcerned with getting enough air to the person (e.g. child, baby) forunimpaired breathing. They do not provide a means of increasing oroptimising the taking away of heat (embodied in warm air) from theperson.

There is a need for a mattress that overcomes the aforementionedproblems and provides improved heat flow characteristics.

The present invention provides a mattress, comprising: a resilient bodyhaving at least one upper surface portion for supporting, in use, aperson; and a plurality of surface channels disposed in the or eachupper surface portion and extending parallel thereto.

Preferably, the body has an axis of elongation corresponding to thehead-to-toe direction of the person lying, in use, on the mattress, andat least one upper surface portion is inclined relative to the axis ofelongation.

Preferably, at least some of the surface channels have a component ofdirection, along at least a portion thereof, parallel to the directionof rising incline of the respective surface portion. Preferably, atleast some of the surface channels have a component of direction, alongat least a portion thereof, parallel to the axis of elongation.

In a preferred embodiment, at least some of the surface channels extendsubstantially diagonally so as to make an angle of less than 90° withthe axis of elongation. In certain embodiments, at least some of thesurface channels have a non-linear path, when viewed from above. Thesurface channels may have any transverse dimension at the surface thatis sufficient to achieve effective dissipation of warm air. Suitably, byway of example, this transverse dimension is about 4 to 15 mm. Thesurface channels are suitably spaced apart at the surface by anydistance that is suitable to accommodate the surface channels but doesnot adversely affect the ability of the surface to support a person.Suitably, by way of example, this spacing is about 5 to 20 mm. Thesurface channels may have a transverse cross-sectional area that variesalong the length of the channel, for example increasing in size withproximity to the sidewalls of the resilient body. Preferably, for one ormore of the surface portions, said surface channels are provided oversubstantially the entire surface area thereof. In certain embodiments,the surface channels are distributed over substantially the entiresurface area of said surface portions.

Preferably, the body comprises sidewalls adjacent said at least onesurface portion, the mattress further including at least one connectingchannel, the or each connecting channel being in communication with aplurality of said surface channels and with at least one sidewall.Suitably, the or each connecting channel is disposed in the or eachupper surface portion. The connecting channels may include a connectingchannel extending centrally parallel to said axis of elongation, and/orinclude a connecting channel extending substantially transverse to saidaxis of elongation.

In one embodiment, the upper surface portion includes a body surfaceportion, for supporting, in use, the body of a person, a head surfaceportion, for supporting, in use, the head of a person, and/or a topsurface portion. In this case, a connecting channel extendingsubstantially transverse to said axis of elongation extends along thelowermost region of said head surface portion.

An advantage of the present invention is that the surface channels inthe inclined surface portions extend away from the person's body in anupwardly-rising manner. Thus, due the natural effect of warm air rising,the air warmed by the body passes along and up the surface channels andout to the atmosphere, where possible via a connecting channel. Afurther advantage of the invention is the possibility of reducing suddeninfant death, to the extent that this is caused by overheating.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way ofexample, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a mattress in accordance with oneembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 shows (a) a cross sectional view at II-II of the mattress of FIG.1, and (b) a lateral view of the mattress of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-section of the surface channels in a mattressaccordance with another embodiment of the invention, (a) at or near themidsection, and (b) at the exterior sidewalls.

As used herein, “mattress” is taken to mean any type of resilient objectfor supporting a young child or baby, and which includes, among otherthings, mattresses for traditional beds, cots, cribs, bassinets, prams,pushchairs, or for Moses baskets, seats of various kinds, and so on. Inthis respect, although the invention is advantageously employed forchildren of various ages, it is particular beneficial for babies andchildren up to the age of about 3 years. At the same time, the inventionwould provide similar benefits to adult users when embodied in anadult-size mattress.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a mattress in accordance with oneembodiment of the invention. In this example, the mattress is designedfor a very young child or baby. In this embodiment, the mattress(generally designated 2) has a rectangular base 4 and has generallyplanar sidewalls 6, and top and bottom walls 8, 10 respectively. As canbe seen, the mattress 2 has an axis of elongation, partially indicatedat 12. Suitably, the mattress 2 may be made of polymer foam, or othersuitable material, as is well known in the art in the manufacture ofmattress/cushion products, and shaped using conventional injectionmoulding techniques.

In this embodiment, the mattress 2 comprises three sections arrangedalong the axis of elongation 12—a body section 14, a head section 16 anda top section 18. Some or all of the sections 14, 16, 18 may be “scoopedout” to provide a generally concave cross-section relative to the base4, i.e. so that the thickness of the mattress 2 at the sidewalls 6 isgreater than at the centreline 12: this helps to maintain the personlying on the mattress in a stable position. In use, the body section 14supports the body of the person (e.g. baby or young child), and the headsection 16 supports the head of the person.

In preferred embodiments, the general configuration of the mattress 2 isa wedge shape. Thus, the body section 14 has an upward incline as youmove along the centreline 12 from the foot to the head of the person.Top section 18 may be flat or have a gentle incline in either direction.However, the head section 16 has a generally partially cylindricalcross-sectional shape (viewed transversely to the centreline 12); andthe head section comprises a first part 20 and a second part 22. Thefirst part 20 is inclined in the same direction as the body section 14,whereas the second part 22 is inclined in the opposite direction. Theshape of the head section 16 beneficially enables the person's head tomove freely from side to side during use, and this is facilitated bynotches 23 (one of which, in use, is located generally below the neck ofthe person).

There is provided on the surfaces 24, 26, 28 of the section 14, 16, 18,respectively a pattern of surface channels 30. The surface channels 30are elongate channels that may extend in a straight or curved manner,and may have a U-shaped, or (part-) circular, elliptical, square,rectangular (or any other suitable) cross-sectional profile. Suitably,the cross-sectional dimensions of the surface channels 30 are about 4 to15 mm in width and about 4 to 15 mm in depth. Suitably, each surfacechannel 30 is separated from an adjacent surface channel on the surfaceby about 5 to 20 mm. However, it will be appreciated by persons skilledin the art that other shapes and dimensions, as alternatives to theabove, may be employed, while producing the same of similar effects.

Also provided on the upper surface of the mattress 2 is a centralconnecting channel 32 that extends parallel to the centreline 12, andseveral transverse connecting channels 34, 36, 38, 40 that are generallyat right angles to the centreline 12; and all of these may have the sameor similar shape and dimensions to those of the surface channels 30.

On each of the surfaces 24, 26, 28, the surface channels 30 have acomponent of direction transversely (i.e. towards the sidewalls), andthey have a component of direction in the direction of upward incline ofthe surface. In other words, viewed from above, the surface channelsextend diagonally (e.g. at about 45° to the centreline 12; although theangle may be anything up to 90°). Indeed, the surface channels 30 maysimply comprise a series of parallel channels extending at right anglesto the centreline 12. Optimally, however, the surface channels 30 followa path that provides the shortest path for warm air to the ambientatmosphere; the channels 30 may therefore follow a non-linear, curvedpath.

The beneficial effects during use of the mattress will be described byconsidering the surface 24. This is substantially covered, in use, bythe person's body (not shown). Air that is adjacent the persons body iswarmed by the body. Through the natural physical effect of warm airrising against the force of gravity, this warm air has to pass in anupward direction along the surface channels 30 until it reaches theambient atmosphere. Thus, in each of the surface channels 30 covered bythe person's body (to the extent that they are covered), the warm airtravels in the direction of arrows A and escapes into the ambientatmosphere, either directly upwardly, or through the ends points 44, orto a connecting channel 34.

A similar effect occurs on the other surfaces 26, 28, to the extent thatthey are covered by the person's head, neck or body: warm air travels inthe direction of arrows B, C, D and escapes into the ambient atmosphere,either directly upwardly, or through the ends points 44, or to aconnecting channel 34, 36, 38, 40. The overall effect is that heat fromthe person's body is efficiently taken away and dissipated into theatmosphere.

The source of incoming cold air (to replace the dissipated warm air) iseither along the central connecting channel 32, and/or from below themattress 2 in the event that the mattress 2 is formed of air-permeablefoam.

FIG. 2( a) shows a lateral view of the mattress of FIG. 1. Itillustrates the distribution of (surface channel 30) end points 44 alongthe upper surface of the mattress 2. FIG. 2 (b) is a cross sectionalview at II-II of the mattress of FIG. 1. This illustrates the junctionsof the distributed surface channels 30 with the central connectingchannel 32, enabling inflow of cool air and outflow of warm air.

FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-section of the surface channels in a mattressin accordance with another embodiment of the invention, (a) at or nearthe midsection, and (b) at the exterior sidewalls. It can be seen thatthe cross-sectional profile of the surface channels 30 (here,substantially U-shaped) may, in certain embodiments, be of greaterdimensions (FIG. 3( b)) at the exterior sidewalls 6 in FIG. 1 than those(FIG. 3( a)) at the central connecting channel 32. In this way, the flowof warm air out of the surface channels 30 can be improved.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerousvariants are possible. Although the surface channels 30 have beendescribed herein as extending to the sidewalls 6, in certain embodimentsthe channels may only extend part way to, and terminate short of, thesidewalls 6.

Also, the mattress in accordance with the invention is suitable enclosedwithin a fabric cover (not shown). Preferably, this cover is made of anair-permeable, heat-porous, antibacterial non-woven fabric.

1. A mattress, comprising: a resilient body having at least one uppersurface portion for supporting a person; and a plurality of shallowsurface channels disposed in the or each upper surface portion andextending parallel thereto; wherein at least one upper surface portionis upwardly inclined relative to the horizontal.
 2. The mattress ofclaim 1, wherein the body has an axis of elongation corresponding to thehead-to-toe direction of the person lying, in use, on the mattress, andat least one upper surface portion is inclined relative to the axis ofelongation.
 3. The mattress of claim 2, wherein at least some of thesurface channels have a component of direction, along at least a portionthereof, parallel to the direction of rising incline of the respectivesurface portion.
 4. The mattress of claim 2 or 3, wherein at least someof the surface channels have a component of direction, along at least aportion thereof, parallel to the axis of elongation.
 5. The mattress ofany of the preceding claims, wherein at least some of the surfacechannels extend substantially diagonally so as to make an angle of lessthan 90° with the axis of elongation.
 6. The mattress of any of thepreceding claims, wherein at least some of the surface channels have anon-linear path, when viewed from above.
 7. The mattress of any of thepreceding claims, wherein the body comprises sidewalls adjacent said atleast one surface portion, the mattress further including at least oneconnecting channel, the or each connecting channel being incommunication with a plurality of said surface channels and with atleast one sidewall.
 8. The mattress of claim 7, wherein the or eachconnecting channel is disposed in the or each upper surface portion. 9.The mattress of claim 7 or 8, wherein the or each connecting channelincludes a connecting channel extending centrally parallel to said axisof elongation, and/or includes a connecting channel extendingsubstantially transverse to said axis of elongation.
 10. The mattress ofany of the preceding claims, wherein said surface channels have atransverse dimension at the surface of about 4 to 15 mm.
 11. Themattress of any of the preceding claims, wherein said surface channelsspaced apart at the surface by about 5 to 20 mm.
 12. The mattress of anyof the preceding claims, wherein said surface channels have a transversecross-sectional area that varies along the length of the channel, forexample increasing in size with proximity to the sidewalls of theresilient body.
 13. The mattress of any of the preceding claims, whereinsaid at least one upper surface portion includes a body surface portionfor supporting, in use, the body of a person, a head surface portion forsupporting, in use, the head of a person, and/or a top surface portion.14. The mattress of claim 12, when dependent on claim 9, wherein theconnecting channel extending substantially transverse to said axis ofelongation extends along the lowermost region of said head surfaceportion.
 15. The mattress of any of the preceding claims, wherein, forone or more of the surface portions, said surface channels are providedover substantially the entire surface area thereof.
 16. The mattress ofany of the preceding claims, wherein said surface channels aredistributed over substantially the entire surface area of said surfaceportions.
 17. A mattress substantially as hereinbefore described withreference to the accompanying drawings.